Why Tokyo Is Unlike Anywhere Else
Tokyo has an ability to surprise you even when you think you know what to expect. It's enormous and energetic, yet remarkably orderly; intensely modern, yet traditions remain part of everyday life. You can move from the crowds and giant screens of Shibuya to a quiet shrine, tiny ramen shop or peaceful garden within the same afternoon.
Food is another reason people come, and not only for high-end sushi. Tokyo rewards curiosity, whether you're eating yakitori beneath the railway tracks, browsing a department-store food hall or finding a neighbourhood restaurant with six seats and no English menu. Then there's Japan beyond the capital. Fast rail connections make Tokyo an excellent starting point for discovering a country of mountain towns, hot springs, historic temples and very different cities, with places such as Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka all within reach. It's one of those trips where choosing what to leave out can be harder than deciding what to include.
Tokyo — Quick Facts
Flight time from Sydney
~9–10 hours (direct)
Flight time from Melbourne
~10–11 hours (direct)
Best time for cheap fares
January (after New Year)
Peak season
March–April (cherry blossom), Dec
Main airports
Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND)
Visa required
No — 90 days for Australians
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY ¥)
Top Things to Do in Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing & Harajuku
Stand at the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, then head to Harajuku's Takeshita Street for wild fashion, crepes and the vibrant youth culture Tokyo is famous for.
Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest and most beloved temple in the historic Asakusa district. Arrive early to beat the crowds and browse the traditional Nakamise shopping street.
teamLab Planets
An unmissable immersive digital art experience in Toyosu. Walking through rooms of infinite light, flowers and water — unlike anything else in the world. Book well in advance.
Shinjuku & Golden Gai
Tokyo's wildest neighbourhood — enormous department stores by day, neon-lit izakayas by night. Golden Gai's tiny bars each have their own unique character.
Tokyo Skytree
The world's tallest broadcasting tower at 634 metres, with two observation decks offering extraordinary views across the entire Tokyo metropolitan area.
Tsukiji Outer Market
A foodie paradise — the freshest sushi breakfast you'll ever eat, surrounded by food stalls and decades of culinary history right in the heart of the city.
When to Fly to Tokyo
January (after the New Year period) is typically the cheapest month to fly to Tokyo from Australia. Avoid March–April (cherry blossom season), October (autumn foliage) and December which command premium prices. February and June–July shoulder periods offer good value.
Tokyo's Airports
NRT
Narita International Airport
Located 60km east of central Tokyo. The Narita Express (N'EX) gets you to Shinjuku in about 90 minutes. Many international flights use Narita.
HND
Tokyo Haneda Airport
Much closer to central Tokyo — just 30 minutes by monorail or train. Increasingly used for international flights and far more convenient.
Getting Around Tokyo
Tokyo's train and subway network is the best in the world — punctual, clean and goes everywhere. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport on arrival — tap on/tap off, works on all trains, buses and even at convenience stores.
Before You Fly
- Visa: Australian passport holders can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. Simply arrive with a valid Australian passport.
- Cash: Japan is largely cash-based. Carry Japanese Yen — ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post are the most reliable for foreign cards.
- IC Card: Get a Suica or Pasmo card at the airport on arrival — it covers all Tokyo trains, subway and buses.
- Travel Insurance: Japan's medical system usually requires upfront payment before you leave the clinic, even in emergencies. Sorting your travel insurance for Japan ahead of time gives you access to 24/7 translation support and direct billing so you aren't paying out of pocket on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly from Australia to Tokyo?
The main airlines include Qantas (direct from Sydney and Melbourne), Japan Airlines (direct from Sydney and Melbourne), ANA (direct from Sydney) and Jetstar (from Melbourne and Gold Coast). Tokyo is one of the best-connected Asian cities from Australia.
Is there a direct flight from Australia to Tokyo?
Yes — Qantas, JAL and ANA all offer direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne. Flight times are 9–11 hours making Tokyo one of the closest major international destinations from Australia.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Tokyo?
January (after New Year) is typically cheapest. Avoid March–April (cherry blossom), October (autumn foliage) and December. February and June–July offer good value.
Which Tokyo airport should I fly into?
Haneda (HND) is closer and more convenient — about 30 minutes to central Tokyo. Narita (NRT) is used by many international carriers and is about 60–90 minutes from the city.
Do Australians need a visa for Japan?
No — Australian passport holders can visit Japan for up to 90 days without any visa. Simply arrive with a valid Australian passport.